Ephesians 3:21

Authorized King James Version

Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
αὐτῷ
Unto him
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
#2
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#3
δόξα
be glory
glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)
#4
ἐν
by
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#5
τῇ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
ἐκκλησίᾳ
the church
a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth
#7
ἐν
by
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#8
Χριστῷ
Christ
anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus
#9
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
#10
εἰς
throughout
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#11
πάσας
all
all, any, every, the whole
#12
τὰς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
γενεὰς
ages
a generation; by implication, an age (the period or the persons)
#14
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
αἰώνων
without end
properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)
#16
τῶν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#17
αἰώνων
without end
properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)
#18
ἀμήν
Amen
properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ephesians, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of glory connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about glory, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Ephesians.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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